The green light follows a government decision to prevent the
state-owned airline separately importing jets from Russia's
Sukhoi, a possibility that had threatened to put the airline at
odds with the Baltic state's hawkish policy against Moscow.

The state infusion is part of a refinancing plan that also
involves 52 million euros of private investment from German
banker Ralf-Dieter Montag-Girmes, in return for a 20 percent
stake in the last surviving Baltic flag carrier.

The arrival of an investor with lengthy experience in Russia
had triggered speculation that Latvia could import Russian jets,
putting approval for the refinancing at risk.

Montag-Girmes, who has denied any pro-Russian bias, told
Reuters on Thursday his decision to purchase a stake was
"completely independent" of fleet decisions.

Officials said the possibility of purchasing Russian jets
had nonetheless been taken off the table.

"AirBaltic has altered its business plans and will
substitute Sukhoi Superjets (with) Bombardier planes, and all
the finances will be covered," parliamentary budget committee
chairman Karlis Sadurskis told Reuters.
Continued...